Statement
by H.E. Cho Tae-Yul
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of Korea

Global Summit on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict
- “Call to Action”- Preventing and Responding to Sexual Violence in Conflict -
June 12, 2014

Madam Chair,

I would like to begin by commending Secretary William Hague for his outstanding leadership in launching the 'Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI)' and in convening this important meeting. My special thanks also go to Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and his Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Madam Zainab Bangura, for their dedication in combating this crime against humanity.

This global summit well illustrates that the international community shares the sense of urgency in addressing this serious problem. Now is the time to act with a view to eradicating sexual violence in conflict. It not only constitutes a gross violation of human rights, but also poses a grave threat to international peace and security.

In this regard, the “Call to Action” adopted in London last November is indeed a significant document demonstrating a strong commitment of the international community to protect women's rights in conflict across the board. Today, I would like to highlight some of the points which I believe are important to effectively address this issue.

First, we need to enhance the capacity of governments, including in fragile and conflict-affected states in particular, to respond to sexual violence in conflict. Sexual violence in conflict is often committed by the military in a systematic and widespread manner, while fragile and conflict-affected states often lack the capacity or willingness to address this crime. It is also necessary to strengthen the capacity of international organizations and civil society so that they can supplement the governments’ role. The international community should work together to build a partnership between governments, international organizations and civil society towards this end.

Second, we need to encourage greater participation of women in conflict resolution and the peace-building process in order to better reflect their needs and priorities. It will contribute to tackling structural causes that generate gender disparity and aggravate violence against women. In addition, in the process of designing service provision for the victims, it is crucial to ensure the participation of women who were affected, directly or indirectly, by the crisis, as stated in the “Call to Action”.

In this connection, the Korean government took an important step forward by including a specific measure to encourage women to actively participate in fragile and conflict-affected states in its ‘National Action Plan to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security’ which was announced last May. In particular, we will support and empower the civil society involved in Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects that promote gender equality. We will also continue to support gender sensitive peace-building projects of various international organizations, such as 'Building Back Better' project of UN Women.

Third, we should not be oblivious to the past sexual violence in conflict, as the past and present are the mirrors of the future. Without genuine remorse for and full accountability of past crimes, we cannot create the future that humanity aspires to; that is, a world without sexual violence. One of the most egregious examples of sexual violence in conflict in the last century was the enforced military sexual slavery during the Second World War, the victims of which are still alive with life-long traumas in Korea and other parts of the world waiting for the day when their human dignity is restored. We must ensure that such a heinous crime against humanity is not repeated. Accepting governmental responsibility and taking responsible measures for past wrongdoings is essential to prevent the recurrence of such a tragedy.

I believe that today's summit will mark a historic milestone towards ending these unacceptable crimes which are prevalent even in this century. As a champion of PSVI, Korea is committed to actively participate in the international endeavors to fight against this war crime, alongside the government of the United Kingdom.

Thank you.